Nursing Assistant Certified

Commonly referred to as CNAs, Nursing Assistants work directly with patients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

NACs are qualified to work under the direction of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and assist in the care of clients in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Graduates learn to maintain a safe environment for the client, provide restorative care, and communicate with clients, and understand basic concepts of care.

nac class

Next Session: Spring 2025

The NAC program is offering three class options for spring 2025.

The daytime program classes run from 8am-12pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Students then go into clinicals from 7am-12:30pm June 3-12.

The afternoon program classes run from 1-5pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Students then go into clinicals from 12:30-5pm June 3-12.

The evening program classes run from 5-9pm Monday-Thursday from April 7-June 2. Student then go into clinicals from 5-10:30pm June 3-12.

To get started with any of the NAC programs, follow the Steps for New Students to be admitted to Centralia College.

High Pass Rates on Certification Exams

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission’s Nursing Assistant Program Approval Panel reports that CC’s pass rate was 98 percent in 2024.

Included Certifications

Students will earn state credentials in specialty training courses Dementia, Mental Health, Nurse Delegation, and Special Focus on Diabetes.
Students will also receive their BLS credential through the co-requisite course.
Students will get their Nursing Assistant Registered credential while in the class.

Department of Health Credential Search

Program Length

The NAC program takes 10 weeks to complete. Students earn 12 credits and 168 hours.

Program Certification

This course is approved and certified by both the Washington State Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. Upon successful completion of the Nursing Assistant Certified training program, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and to become licensed in Washington State.

NAC Duties

Turn and reposition bedridden clients, alone or with assistance, to prevent pressure injuries
Answer clients' call signals
Feed clients who are unable to feed themselves
Observe residents' conditions and report changes to licensed nurse
Provide clients with help walking, exercising, and moving in and out of bed
Bathe, groom, shave, dress, and/or drape clients to prepare them for surgery, treatment, or examination
Collect specimens such as urine, feces, or sputum
Take and record vital signs
Monitor and record resident intake and output

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the NAC program?

There is no application to enter this program. You do not need to attend academic advising and you do not need to take any placement tests, unless you are pursuing further education into the Registered Nursing (RN) program.

Once registration opens, you need to register for the class schedule that works best for you. Classes often fill up quickly after registration opens. Be sure that you are ready to register on the correct day and at the right time .

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites for the NAC program.

Do I need a diploma or GED to take the program?

No, neither is required to enter the NAC program. However, it may help you be more competitive in the job market.

The class I want to take is full. Can I be added to a wait list?

Yes, you can call the Career & Technical Education Office (360-623-8963) to be placed on an interest list. We call students on a first-come, first-served basis from the interest list if an opening occurs.

An opening may occur on the first day of class, so students need to be prepared to register, pay, and attend class the next day after being offered the opening. Students will not be added after the third class day.

Do you offer online classes?

No, we do not offer online classes for the NAC program. This program is a combined lecture and skills course, requiring students to be present in the classroom and learning lab.

Will you help me find a job after I complete the program?

No, we do not offer job placement for our students, and we also do not have job placement rates for our students. However, some students do get hired at our clinical facilities. Many other facilities in the area express interest in our students. A job posting board is located in the Technology Center room 114.

Is financial aid available?

Students may qualify for one of our Workforce Funding tuition programs (Worker Retraining Program, Opportunity Grant, WorkFirst or BFET) that can pay for NAC. A student may qualify for NAC as part of an approved program that financial aid can fund. Please contact financial aid with eligibility questions, ccfinancialaid@centralia.edu or 360-623-8975.

What is the minimum age?

We do not recommend this program for anyone under the age of 17. Most nursing facilities only hire NACs who are 17-years old or older.

How do I take the NAC certification tests after I graduate?

New Skills Test Registration Process

The guidelines below explain the testing process for graduates from approved Washington State Nursing Assistant training programs. The written test is $55. The skills test is $100. Find more information on the Washington State Board of Nursing website.

Step 1: Get a Credentia Candidate ID number.

Create a Credentia365 account and verify your email address.
You need a Candidate ID number to:
- Register for the skills test.
- Register for the written (or oral) test.
- Ensure your results are processed quickly.

Step 2: Register for the skills test.

Register through WABON online scheduling
- Use WABON online scheduling to register for a test location, date, and time.
- The test site will follow up regarding their process for paying the skills test fee.

Step 3: Register for the written (or oral) test AFTER you pass the skills test.

Step 4: Apply for your nursing assistant-certified (NAC) credential with the Department of Health (DOH), if you have not already done so.

What are the program outcomes?

Upon successful completion, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

Understand the Long-term Care Ethical and Legal Responsibilities and the Uniform Disciplinary Act as it pertains to the Nursing Assistant role.
Describe the role of a Nursing Assistant.
Exhibit communication and interpersonal skills.
Respect resident’s rights and independence.
Pass the state Nursing Assistant certification exam.
Pass the state Fundamentals of Caregiving exam.
Pass the state Mental Health certification exam.
Pass the state Nurse Delegation & Diabetes exam.
Pass the state Mental Health exam.
Pass the state Dementia exam.
Pass HIV/AIDs certification.
Successfully complete the 45-hour clinical experience.

Contact

Career & Technical Education
Tech (TEC) Building, Room 114
360-623-8963
cte@centralia.edu

Lorri Speer
Program Director/Faculty
Office: SWFT Center
360-623-8619
Email Lorri Speer